Tafsir Ibn Kathir (10 Volume Set) By Hafiz Ibn Katheer
” Tafsir Ibn Kathir ” Among the most authentic and respected books of Quranic commentary throughout the Islamic world, Tafsir Ibn Kathir is preeminent. Composed by the illustrious 14th-century scholar Hafiz Ibn Kathir, this giant tafsir (commentary) has been the cornerstone for scholars, students, and laymen alike for centuries. The 10 Volume Set provides the complete Arabic-to-English translation, placing this precious gem before a worldwide audience.
If you want to acquire in-depth, true, and authentic traditional commentary of the Quran based on classical learning and hadith, then this collection is a must for your library.
About the Author: Hafiz Ibn Kathir
Ibn Kathir (1301-1373 CE) was one of the most renowned scholars during the Mamluk period of Damascus. He was a student of the prominent scholar Ibn Taymiyyah and was highly praised for his proficiency in hadith, fiqh, history, and tafsir.
His tafsir is famous for its dependence on the Quran itself, genuine hadith, and the words of the Sahabah (Prophet’s companions ﷺ). Ibn Kathir’s balanced approach steers clear of speculative interpretations and instead resorts to transmitted knowledge from early Islamic scholarship.
His legacy continues to be felt through this tafsir, which has become an institution of Islamic scholars.
What Makes This Tafsir Unique?
There are numerous tafsir books that exist, but what makes Tafsir Ibn Kathir so valuable are the following attributes:
1. Quran Explains Quran
Ibn Kathir utilizes other sections of the Quran to interpret a verse wherever possible. This approach makes sure that explanations remain faithful to the divine message.
2. Authentic Hadith
This tafsir incorporates many hadiths to explain meanings, events, and themes. Ibn Kathir was a hadith scholar, and he analyzed chains of narration critically.
3. Sayings of the Companions
He frequently incorporates sayings of the Sahabah, particularly those of scholars such as Ibn Abbas, Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, and others who received their teachings directly from the Prophet ﷺ.
4. Balanced and Objective
Ibn Kathir eschews philosophical or speculative methodologies. His commentary remains firmly based on scriptural evidence and classical methodology.
5. Contextual Understanding
This tafsir provides historical and linguistic context where necessary, so that the reader may see verses in their natural context.
Overview of the 10 Volume Set
This English rendition is spread over ten hardcover volumes and encompasses the Quran cover-to-cover. The translation from the original Arabic is done while being faithful to Ibn Kathir’s wording as much as possible, while clarity for contemporary readers is also maintained.
Each volume contains:
Arabic passages of the Quran, English translation of every verse, Tafsir in accordance with classical references, Citations to the hadith collections (e.g., Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) and Cross-references to corresponding Quranic verses.The volumes are in sequence, from Surah Al-Fatihah to Surah An-Nas, and it is easy to trace the structure of the Quran.
Who Is It For?
Tafsir Ibn Kathir is appropriate for anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of the Quran, particularly:
Students of Islamic studies, Imams and preachers, University researchers and scholars, Teachers of the Quran and Serious learners of Deen. Even serious readers without Islamic formal education can gain much, particularly if they read sincerely and with a willingness to learn.
How to Use This Tafsir Effectively
To make the most of Tafsir Ibn Kathir, here are some practical tips:
Begin with Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Baqarah
These two chapters contain basic knowledge. Ibn Kathir offers in-depth commentary on these chapters, such as their history and interpretations.
Read in Small Sections
Don’t hurry. Read a passage at a time, consider the translation, then read Ibn Kathir’s explanation. Make notes in order to reinforce what you learn.
Use a Notebook
Writing down reflections or summarizing reading keeps you informed. You may also jot down Arabic words or hadith references for later research.
Complement with Other Study Tools
If in doubt about points on this, read other tafsir or discuss with an adequate scholar. Tafsir Ibn Kathir performs best when set within the broad context of education.
Advantages of Learning Tafsir Ibn Kathir
1. Wider Comprehension of the Quran
Quran is a book of advice, yet totally comprehending it needs setting in context and commentary. This tafsir permits the un-sealing of some of these senses.
2. Link to Former Generations
By studying through the eyes of the Prophet ﷺ’s companions and early scholars, you escape contemporary misinterpretations.
3. Spiritual Growth
This tafsir isn’t merely explaining words—it assists in building faith, dispelling misconceptions, and cultivating love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
4. Academic and Personal Enrichment
Whether you’re lecturing, researching, or studying for personal enrichment, this tafsir provides you with an advantage in genuine Islamic knowledge.
Language and Readability
The English version in this 10-volume collection is readable, although certain portions utilize classical phrases. Though maintaining much of the academic tone, the translators have taken care that the sense remains clear for readers today.
It’s noteworthy that the book contains transliterated Arabic and footnotes as necessary. This aids in pronunciation and further explanation.
Binding and Presentation
The 10-volume set is nicely printed and hardbound for longevity. Each book is numbered neatly, with a neat layout within. The Arabic verses are in traditional Uthmani script, and the English translation is laid out logically below, followed by the tafsir. The set is classy on a bookshelf and makes a great gift for Islamic institutions, libraries, or home study areas.
Why Every Muslim Home Should Have This Set
In an era of disinformation and confusion, having access to credible Islamic knowledge is more necessary than ever before. Tafsir Ibn Kathir provides an ageless reference point for reading the Quran the way it was intended to be read.
It’s not a book you read once and put away on a shelf—it’s a lifelong friend. Whether you read daily or weekly, each session with this tafsir brings something fresh to your mind and heart.
Conclusion
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (10 Volume Set) is a timeless classic that continues to inform and illuminate Muslims everywhere. Traditional in its roots, full of genuine hadith, and clarified by one of the greatest scholars in Islamic history, this set is still among the most authoritative and thorough sources of Quran commentary to be found today.
For any Muslim who is determined to increase their knowledge of the Quran and bring their life into harmony with its principles, having and reading this tafsir is an investment in knowledge as well as the Hereafter.
Read more: Trials and Tribulations By Al-Imam al-Izz bin Abdi-s-Salam
